An issue has divided the Adel City Council during their last several meetings, and at the most recent session action once again failed regarding a rezone request for the Southbridge Planned Urban Development (PUD).

Southbridge developer Robert Cramer of Cramer and Associates proposed rezoning 80 acres of his land, which is located south of 302nd Place and between Highway 169 and Old Portland Road. The area is currently zoned A-1 (agricultural), and he was wanting to shift it to R-1 (residential high-density) so work could begin on developing the area into a new neighborhood that includes single family houses, apartment buildings, and shopping amenities Adel currently lacks. However, the rezone was met by a great deal of pushback from the community, with local residents stating their opposition due to safety concerns and an overall feeling the area is being developed too fast.

At the recent meeting, the Council once again took up the request, with Council member Bob Ockerman pointing out that the rezone doesn’t mean the neighborhood will pop up and be filled overnight. He emphasized that plats will need to be approved, and it will take 5-10 years for anything to be remotely ready in the area. He said that’s plenty of time for the City to work on things to make the area safer, such as round-abouts on 169. Ockerman also felt not approving the rezone is disrespectful to Cramer, as it prevents him from acquiring needed financing and developing a marketing strategy. Council members Shirley McAdon and Dan Miller agreed with Ockerman’s assessment of the situation and both supported the rezone. The City staff also recommended approval of the request, as Cramer had addressed every issue presented to him in a logical and respectful manner.

However, the other two Council members, Rob Christensen and Jodi Selby, remained unconvinced and agreed with the public complaints that the area is being developed too quickly. Due to the Planning and Zoning Commission denying the initial rezone request, the motion needed a supermajority of four “yes” votes to pass. With Christensen and Selby both dissenting, the action failed, and the request was once again denied. Ockerman was noticeably frustrated following the decision, as was Cramer, who left the Council chambers right after. It’s unknown at this time what the next step will be, but it’s become clear that any rezone request for Southbridge will need to either be approved by Planning and Zoning, or one of the two dissenting Council members will need to be convinced.